The Waynesburg University women’s soccer team made life difficult for Muskingum by running circles around the turf at John F. Wiley Stadium and dominating time of possession.

The Jackets won the non-conference game 2-0 largely because of  how they were able to play keep away from the Muskies. Sophomore Leesha Wagner scored what would ultimately be the game winning goal in the 22nd minute from 30 yards away.

“We had a lot of momentum going up and nobody was around [ the ball],” Wagner said. “So, I was the closest one, so I said ‘get my butt over there and kick it as hard as I can’and aim it to the upper top so the goalie can’t reach it.”

That was Wagner’s third goal of the season which already eclipses her total from her freshman season. Junior Maddy Manz added an insurance goal in the 70th minute from 25 yards out on the left side, for her first goal of the season.

Freshman goalkeeper Autumn Blair made sure the goals would be enough by recording seven saves.

Head coach Laura Heethuis said the team chemistry has started to show and develop over the last few days.

“We would really work in the last couple games and the last couple days of practice of just starting to gel and starting to mesh together,” Heethius said. “I think today we finally found each other a little bit.”

Not only was the possession good for the Yellow Jackets, but Heethius thought the team’s hustle was excellent. 

“We did a really good job at winning 50-50 balls, especially in the midfield,” Heethuis said. “But I think the biggest thing is we were playing together.”

After the win, the Jackets are now 2-3 on the young season. Their next game will be this Saturday, Sept. 14 against Mount Aloysius at John F. Wiley Stadium starting at 3:30 p.m.